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I lost my cycle, everthing going downhill...

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First I broke the handle on my Marineland C220 canister filter so I over nighted a new Fluval G3 (it looked very user friendly for my weak fingers).
I transferred all my media to the new filter and tested my parameters daily to make sure all was ok...no problems.

Then we lost power for 1-1/2 days so I added battery operated air stones but I did not have anyway to keep the filter running (have since ordered a sponge filter that can be run by a battery operated airstone) but I must have lost my BB because I'm now seeing ammonia.

This really didn't worry me at first because I started out doing an "unintentional" fishin cycle so I'm a pro at daily water changes (my ottos are so used to it they will attach themselves to the the siphon)

Here's the problem...I'm going on vacation in less than 2 weeks and am terrified at the thought that my tank will not "recycle" by the time I have to leave. I don't have anyone I can teach to do water changes but I'm going to ask the LFS if anyone there can come to my house while I'm gone as a last resort to monitor and do water changes.

I've also thought about asking the lfs for some used media but just the thought of adding something unhealthy to my very healthy tank makes me cringe, it may be swapping one problem for another.

I'm also attempting a fishless cycle with my 20 gal QT in the hope that I could then transfer the media from that HOB filter to my canister but that may not happen in time for my vacation.

Another thought is an upflow algae scrubber (will be receiving tomorrow) but I'm on the fence as to whether this will help or hurt the current cycling issue. I'm panicking

If the media was kept in tank water while you lost power, most of the bacteria would still be OK. You test results will confirm that. I would suggest testing your parameters first before getting too worried about everything

Also, it will likely take weeks to grow a good amount of algae in a up-flow algae scrubber. They are not very efficiant form of a algae scrubbers. ALso, algae scrubbers are more effective as a means to help control nitrates and phosphates. They are not nearly as effective or a replacment for a cycled filter

If you take your time to do the research FIRST, you can successfully set-up and keep ANY type of aquarium with ease."Not using a quarantine tank is like playing Russian roulette. Nobody wins the game, some people just get to play longer than others." - Anthony CalfoFishless CycleCycling with FishMarine Aquarium Info [URL="http://saltwater.aquaticcommunity.com/"]

I agree with Cliff in that such scrubbers can help conrol ammonia and convert nitrites into harmless waste; however, as long as your primary filter is still operating to some extent, the scrubber will makeup for a great deal of the lost bacteria and might be a good way to go. It takes almost two weeks to get the first algae growth in an air driven, in tank algae scrubber (after that, only a few days) so if you want to go that route, now is the time to get started.

Once established, this will help with phosphates and nitrates long term so it is a good addition to any tank. Being operated by an air pump these units are useful for adding extra air, too.

I see no way the QT filter can cycle in two weeks.

Forgot to add, the regrowth of the algae is what clears the wastes so removal of a fully grown algae scrubber is essential - a week to ten days is typical so a two week vacation would be too long.

Last edited by Cermet; 01-06-2013 at 03:13 PM.

Knowledge is fun(damental)

A 75 gal with eight Discus, fake plants, and a lot of wood also with sand substrate. Clean up crew is down to just two Sterba's Corys. Filters: continuous new water flow; canister w/UV, in-tank algae scrubber!! Finally, junked the nitrate removal unit from hell.

Ok calm down This is an issue but generally speaking A day and a half isn't enough time for all your BB to starve to death.

Look at this as a mini cycle. As to its severity, The key question is this: What level ammonia readings are you getting?

Gas mileage isn't everythingOIIIIIIIOLack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part.Why pretend there are no stupid questions? Actually, There are many stupid questions: "Should I drink this bleach?" Is just one example.
Having said that, Just because it's a stupid question doesn't mean that it shouldn't be asked. It's better to know.A warm beer is better than a cold beer. Because nothing is better than a cold beer, and a warm beer is better than nothing.

If you are still worried, start adding some Seachem Stability every day for a week. But mini-spikes generally correct themselves very quickly. Do a "large" water change before you go away and don't add more fish until after you've returned.

Cliff, the media remained in my canister during the power outage. This happened on 12/15 and I tested daily for ammonia/nitrites/nitrates until 12/20 with everything looking ok then on 12/23 before doing my regular weekly w/c I tested my water parameters I found .25 ammonia/0 nitrites/.5 nitrates and my normal-ish (7.6 from the tap but always drops a bit in the tank) ph of 7.2 had dropped to 6.0. I did a 75% w/c to correct the ph but it has been dropping daily even though I have crushed coral to help buffer my soft water.

Cermet, yes I agree, trying to to complete a fishless cycle in less than 2 weeks is futile but I was desperate and figured it couldn't hurt to try :(. I am leaving for vacation in 12 days but will only be gone for 5 days so I may hook up the upflow algae scrubber and give it a shot.

850R, thank you, I am taking a deep breath or trying to :). Ever since 12/23 I have been doing daily 50% pwc's due to daily readings of .25 ammonia. I have had 0 nitrites and my nitrates have dropped to 0 (all the water changes?). I'm even experiencing an outbreak of diatoms again which led me to believe I lost all my BB. I was thinking there may be a mini cycle but didn't think it would take this long to recover.

Lady Hobbs, I will start adding Stability daily and do a large w/c before I leave. Fingers crossed!!!!

Thanks again for the support, I can't wait until I have enough experience with being a keeper of fish to be able to help others as I have been helped...right now I feel like all I do take your help but can't give back.

Do you know how long the pH was at 6.0 or if it dropped any lower. With a pH of 6.0 nitrifying bacteria will stop growing and any lower they will die off.

When I go fishing I just place a sharp rock in the water and sit there waiting for all the dead fish to float to the top... KingfisherBrutal honesty will be shown on this screen.I think my fish is adjusting well to the four gallon, He's laying on his side attempting to go to sleep on the bottom of the gravel.Tolerance is a great thing to have, so is the ability to shut up.I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.

At a pH of 6.6 to 6.8 the bacteria will grow but at a slower rate. Have you tested the pH in your tap water?

When I go fishing I just place a sharp rock in the water and sit there waiting for all the dead fish to float to the top... KingfisherBrutal honesty will be shown on this screen.I think my fish is adjusting well to the four gallon, He's laying on his side attempting to go to sleep on the bottom of the gravel.Tolerance is a great thing to have, so is the ability to shut up.I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.